Raising Generations in Hopkins County
In the front office, Tonya Bradford pulls out her current projects on paper and her list of things to do for the day. As she talks with co-workers, her phone rings while in mid-sentence with a unique sing-song jingle that distinctively stands out among the standard ringtones. Between phone calls, you can hear the tap-tap of her fingernails going to work on her laptop. Tonya’s curiosity and inquisitive nature about others is evident in how she takes time to ask about the lives of those she encounters while quietly listening. Speaking in a manner that is refreshingly frank and to the point, devoid of ambiguous pomp or pretense.
Country Living
After work, Tonya enjoys a rural life in a house that stands between a woodland and open pasture. “I have loved raising kids on this dead-end road,” she says. Nearby, the family’s stocker cows graze on their native Bermuda grass.
For the past 40 years, she has lived on the same property that was once a dairy farm where she and her husband, Brad, raised their children. In 2006, Lewis Heritage Homes built their house on that same tract not far from the original frame house they had once lived. Between church gatherings or holiday festivities, their home has welcomed many. When guests walk in the front door, large picture windows give them a view straight back to the shady yard. Here they can see birds bounce on the leaf riddled ground or across the wooden deck.
How She Met Her Husband 
With decades of living in Hopkins County, you might think she was born and raised here. But Tonya is originally from the Dallas area. Her family left the big city when she was a sophomore in high school because they longed for smaller community for their family and kids. Once they were settled, Tonya attended and graduated from Sulphur Springs High School.
Her family came to town in 1977 while another change was happening at the same time. Somewhere near their arrival, a newly formed church opened its door for the first time—a place where her whole family could attend. Shannon Oaks Church started its journey and it’d be here that Tonya met her future dairy farming husband, Brad. A couple years later, in 1979, they would be married.
Change & Starting Over
While raising their family during the roller coaster decade of the 1990’s, the national dairy business hit an economic slump. Especially in Hopkins County. This caused Tonya and Brad to shift from working the dairy as a family to being employed elsewhere. Little did they know the blessings that waited around the corner. Brad would find a job that provided security for his family and Tonya would later become a realtor.
Taking her knowledge of beef cattle, land maintenance, ranching, and farming, she applied her hands-on experience to real estate. Shifting her focus on helping land buyers find the property that fit their needs. And eventually with 16 years in the real estate business, she would rank as one of the top in the field. But then she switched careers again. For another 10 years would work as an insurance agent in Delta County. Yet her love for real estate continued. When she decided to switch back, a real estate colleague recommended she try Janet Martin Realty. Tonya had already noticed Janet, saying that she’d seen how, “Janet dominated in farm and ranch”. Plus, she adds, “I had enjoyed working with her [Janet] in the past. And now, I’m back in the same office location where I originally started my real estate career.”
Local Favorites, Family Time, & Faith
When she is not showing properties or taking clients’ calls, Tonya delights in spending time with any one of her 7 grandkids, all who live in Hopkins County. They affectionately call her “Bubbles”. Together as a family, they take trips to places and most recently to Costa Rico and Branson, MO.
When Texas’ muggy summer days begin, Tonya and Brad take their pontoon boat to Lake Quitman or Lake Cypress Springs with enough room to fit many members of their family. Around town, they attend events such as in December 2021 when they watched the festive Christmas Parade make its way through the town square. On the weekends, you might find Tonya and Brad eating at San Remo’s Italian restaurant or at Los Pinos Vineyard.
Through the decades, they have continued to be part of Shannon Oaks Church—where they first met—serving in all sorts of leadership roles. Tonya particularly has a passion for prayer ministry and has been part of the prayer team for years.
Life in Hopkins County 
Ever since her family moved here, Tonya never takes it for granted. She enjoys driving among the rolling countryside and watching grandkids play in school sports. Like most folks who make Sulphur Springs their home, she appreciates the friendliness of locals. As well as the tree-lined downtown square dotted with park benches, boutiques, and unique shops.
Having returned to the work she loves, Tonya now helps others find their own slice of the country life that she has come to appreciate so much. Putting her ranching experience to good use as a realtor, she continues with 17-plus years in the business as she looks to grow and excel. And looking back, time seems to have passed with surprising ease. One moment Tonya was the newcomer in town and now enjoys watching several of her generations blossom in Hopkins County.
